Padre Island in Texas

Padre Island

Snaking 113 miles between the Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico is the second-largest island in the US and the longest barrier island in the entire world.

Guide Sections

Use Padre Island's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.

Point of Interest

Padre Island Details

Difficulty

Low

Distance

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Estimated time

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Region

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Snaking 113 miles between the Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico is the second-largest island in the US and the longest barrier island in the entire world. It travels from Corpus Christi all the way down to South Padre Island and is known for its beaches, wildlife refuges, and tourist attractions. While most people live on the north and south ends, the central part of the island is relatively untouched. You will find both the Padre Island National Seashore and the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, both of which are located on the migratory route for birds. The islands are also known for their beaches (over 70 miles of them), which are popular for swimming, fishing, and windsurfing.